Weather

FULTON COUNTY, Ga. -- When the weather report calls for freezing temperatures overnight, you do not want to be rushing outside in the dark to cover cold-sensitive plants.

According to University of Georgia experts, protect plants in containers either by placing them inside a protective structure (house, garage, greenhouse or shed) or by placing a protective covering over them.

“People put a lot of time and expense in caring for their plants,” states Menia Chester, Director of Fulton County Cooperative Extension. “It is important for them to know how to protect their investments to nurture them for growth when the weather is cold.”

Container plants are especially susceptible to cold temperatures; their roots are more exposed because they are above ground. Plants with roots that are damaged by cold temperatures may not show immediate signs of damage; these plants will show signs of stress when temperatures rise and the demand for water from the roots are greater.

FULTON COUNTY, Ga. -- The Fulton County Department of Aging and Youth Services’ senior facilities will serve as warming sites during operating hours to provide seniors and other citizens another alternative for keeping warm during extreme winter weather.

Fulton County has four senior multipurpose facilities that will be open from 7 a.m. until 5 p.m. on Jan. 8 and 9.

FULTON COUNTY, Ga. -- With the current conditions of ice and show in metro Atlanta, the Fulton County Department of Health and Wellness and the Atlanta Fulton County Emergency Management Agency (AFCEMA) are warning citizens about the dangers of exposure to extreme cold.

Exposure to cold temperatures can cause serious or life-threatening health problems. Infants and the elderly are particularly at risk, but the lives of animals can also be at risk.

"In severe weather conditions where the temperature drops very low causing extreme cold, we strongly advise citizens to try to stay indoors," said Dr. Patrice Harris, Director of Health and Wellness. “These conditions can lead to hypothermia and frostbite if citizens are not careful to limit trips outside and remember to take the necessary steps to be prepared for winter emergencies thereby reducing the risks of weather-related health problems.”

(WXIA) -- The Georgia Department of Transportation is reminding north Georgia residents to be mindful of temperature drops and to turn off their sprinkler systems.

GDOT released this statement Wednesday morning:

Every winter, we have icing issues due to automatically-timed sprinkler systems left on overnight in freezing temperatures. They can create a very hazardous condition for motorists the next morning.

Automatic sprinkler systems are often timed to operate at night, and when spray from the sprinkler is blown onto the road or water drains onto the road, black ice is formed, creating a hazard for motorists.

The Department urges residents and businesses to take a moment and ensure that automatic sprinkler systems are turned off. With sub-freezing termperatures on the way, motorists are cautioned to be on the lookout for icy patches or black ice, especially early in the morning.

FULTON COUNTY, Ga. -- With extreme winter weather conditions heading toward Fulton County, the Fulton County Department of Health and Wellness and the Atlanta Fulton County Emergency Management Agency (AFCEMA) are issuing a winter health advisory to warn citizens about the dangers of exposure to extreme cold.

Exposure to cold temperatures can cause serious or life-threatening health problems. Infants and the elderly are particularly at risk, but anyone, including animals, can be affected.

"In severe weather conditions where the temperature drops very low causing extreme cold, we strongly advise citizens to try to stay indoors," said Dr. Patrice Harris, Director of Health and Wellness. “These conditions can lead to hypothermia and frostbite if citizens are not careful to limit trips outside and remember to take the necessary steps to be prepared for winter emergencies thereby reducing the risks of weather-related health problems.”

The Georgia Department of Transportation is asking homeowners to turn off sprinkler systems that are set to automatically run overnight.

"Every winter, we have icing issues due to automatically-timed sprinkler systems that are left on overnight in freezing temperatures," GDOT engineer Rachel Brown said in a statement. "They can create a very hazardous condition for motorists the next morning."